Vietnam PM inspects food supplier in Ho Chi Minh City

Accompanying the premier were his deputy Vu Duc Dam, Ho Chi Minh City chairman Nguyen Thanh Phong, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Bui Xuan Cuong, and other high-ranking officials.

The delegation set off at around 5:45 am, when it was raining heavily, with the first stop at Tu Anh Co. Ltd, a facility that provides meals for workers in the outer district of Binh Chanh.

Tasting a bit of rice, the head of government asked the producer about the product’s origins, preservation and processing methods.

“The dish is tasty and eye-catching, but hygiene should not be forgotten,” PM Phuc commented, noting the supplier that the tray is a bit oily.

He also requested the facility owner to show all contracts and papers regarding the food quality and safety, while underlining that food quality is the matter of great importance.

“For that reason, it should not be inspected only on paper,” the premier pressed.

PM Phuc then left the food supplier for a pho (Vietnamese noodle with beef soup) eatery named Phu Cuong in Tan Phu District at 7:45 am.

After examining the broth, the premier decided to have breakfast and coffee with his entourage at the venue. He then spent most of his time asking the restaurateur about the ingredients’ origin and how the food is processed.

He also paid his consideration onto customers in the eatery and expressed his desire for all people to have a safe and tasty dish.

After finishing his dish, PM Phu visited a Vietnamese bologna shop nearby to ask the seller questions regarding their business operations and income.

Tran Thi Thu, the shop owner, wished to give the premier the merchandise for free, but PM Phuc told her to let him purchase, reminding her that food safety is the prior and core element to develop a brand.

In late September, the head of the government also paid a visit to Long Bien Market and a vegetable farm, both in Hanoi, to examine food safety there.